The all glass, 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens has 38-115mm coverage (35mm equivalent) plus a virtually stepless 4x digital zoom option. If you enjoy shooting close-ups you can get as close as 0.8 inches away from your subject with the Nikkor lens' superb macro capability.

The Coolpix 990 accepts optional Coolpix Lenses and accessories, including the Nikkor fisheye (above), wideangle, 2x and 3x telephoto converters. Third-party 28-37mm stepup rings, filters and auxilliary lenses are available from various dealers to further enhance your camera's capabilities.

Shown here is the older WC-E24 and the new and larger WC-E63 wideangle conversion lenses. The WC-E63 features ED glass for less distortion and flares and is threaded for 72mm filters.

Closeup of the large monochrome data display, the Mode/Power switch and the programmable mode/function buttons. The command dial has been moved to the top-rear of the camera and is easily operated with your thumb.

Note the "P*" -- the Coolpix 990 has a Flexible-Program mode. Rotating the command dial lets you use different combinations of shutter speed and aperture.

The Coolpix 990 has TTL support for an external flash such as Nikon's SB-28DX shown here on the SK-E900 flash bracket. The 990 has menu options for control of both the internal and external speedlights, the internal can now be disabled while using an external flash. It does not use the infrared focusing aid of the SB-28 or SB-28DX flash units.

The Coolpix 990, like its sibling the Coolpix 950, has a swiveling lens and an all-metal magnesium chassis for lightness and durability. The 990 sports a charcoal gray textured color with a blue grip area and lettering. The hand grip has been significantly enlarged to give you more stability when shooting at extreme telephoto or slower shutter speeds.

Improvements on the bottom of the Coolpix 990 include a perfectly flat tripod mounting area with rubberized grips, all metal tripod socket and a secure but easy to access battery compartment.

The Coolpix 990 uses four AA size batteries as its power source. I highly recommend NiMH rechargeables as this camera like all digicams, eats alkaline batteries like candy.

At first I was a little concerned about the DC power input jack being on the front of the camera. But after plugging the cable in that goes to my Unity Digital ProPower pack I was thrilled to see that it was a match made in heaven. There's still plenty of grip surface left for your fingers and the angled plug makes the cable run straight down to the bottom of the camera.

There's a whole range of accessories available for the Coolpix 990.